Worrying viruses – including West Nile -- discovered in Parry Sound district
After some worrying water sample results, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Health unit staff have been monitoring mosquito pools in various locations across the district and this month.
"Two mosquito pools have tested positive with a virus," the health unit said in a news release Tuesday.
"One with West Nile Virus, and another with Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE). In both cases, the mosquitoes were from pools located within the District of Parry Sound. No human cases have been reported in the health unit district."
It has been seven years since a mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus in the Health Unit district, and 10 years since a mosquito tested positive for the EEE virus, the release said.
"Mosquitoes acquire viruses such as West Nile Virus and EEE by feeding on infected birds. The virus is spread to humans and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from other animals."
The health unit recommends residents use these personal protective measures to reduce the risk of illness due to bites from infected mosquitoes:
• Take extra care when spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate any standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to clothing and exposed skin areas, following recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus usually appear within two to 15 days after infection. Most individuals (70 per cent to 80 per cent) infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms.
Mild symptoms of WNV can include fever, headache, body aches, a mild rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Serious symptoms can include rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, confusion and paralysis.
Some severe cases can be fatal.
Symptoms of the EEE virus usually appear four to 10 days after infection, and some individuals may not develop symptoms. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, a stiff neck, muscle aches and confusion. Severe cases include swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and can lead to coma, convulsions and death.
If you experience a sudden onset of any symptoms, seek medical attention. While there is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile Virus or EEE, symptoms can be treated.
Visit myhealthunit.ca for more information on how to protect yourself from a mosquito bite.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.